Proof-reading performance of extraverts and neurotics under punishment and reward conditions

Abstract

Individuals who are more sensitive to punishment cues are thought to inhibit behavior in the presence of these stimuli. Individuals who are more sensitive to reward cues are thought to activate behavior in the presence of these latter stimuli. However, the present argument is that punishment-sensitive individuals may not necessarily inhibit behavior, but may sometimes activate behavior in order to avoid the potential negative consequences signaled by the presence of punishment cues. This behavioral activation will be less intense when punishment-sensitive individuals are in the presence of reward cues. Reward-sensitive individuals will activate behavior when in the presence of reward cues, but less so when in the presence of punishment cues. Subjects were asked to do their best on a proof-reading task under either reward (opportunity to win a dollar) or punishment (threat of losing a dollar) conditions. Predictions were generally supported for punishment-sensitive individuals, but not for reward-sensitive individuals. Predictions regarding differential emotional reactions being dependent on personality, punishment/reward cues and on feedback regarding performance on the proof-reading task were not confirmed. Findings are discussed with respect to the asymmetry of the data and in terms of future research.